Ardcase Panniers vs Others

[Martinl69]

I'm looking to get some panniers for a trip to Scotland in late August, after looking at most options and getting a severe headache I've narrowed it down a little (due to budget). Touratech, Metal Mule and a few more are out of my price range and I'm not looking to travel the world (at least not yet).

It's come down to spending around £800.00 on the panniers and rack and so far I have:

Ardcase, seem to get really good reviews and come in a good choice of sizes.

Givi Trekker Outback, love the look of these but not released until September and they are a brand new model so who knows what they'll be like.

SW Motech Trax, these again look good but I've read reviews of leaks in rain.

Does anyone have any views on these, good or bad?

I need to put my hand in my pocket in the next couple of weeks to get them ordered.

[Dazzer]

Hi
We have used a set of Ardcases for about 4 years and have covered about 60.000 miles and they have been excellent. Never leaked. very strong and well made and at a price that wont max your credit card out .

Leigh

[Heff]

I have a set of Ardcases, very well made, lockable, removable lids with handles that double up as mounting points if you need to tie something to the lid. Also they can be powder coated in your choice of colours. I have found them to be excellent in use and easy to operate, but most importantly, watertight. The only downside is that they are a bit fiddly to fit and remove, but as I generally mount them and leave them on until I get home, its not much of a problem.

Mine are mounted using Touratech brackets, bought used off evilbay.

Highly recommended though

Heres mine

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Fitted with the Touratwat tea towel option

DSC02413_2013-07-08.jpg (65.34 KiB) Viewed 2016 times

[Martinl69]

Cheers for the feedback so far, are they the standard colour fitted on yours?

I don't think I've heard a bad review for Ardcase, so far these seem to be the favourite.

[Heff]

I think mine are the standard colour, but you can have a specific colour scheme if you want to personalise them to suit your bike.

They are a good value for money investment in my book

[Gripper1974]

I looked round for a fair old time for panniers and even put something on here asking pretty much the same question you have Out of all the answers I got back the one that made most sense to me was its up to you how much you want to spend. I looked at touratech, ardcases, metal mules, stalkhoffer and alpos ones. I fell lucky and managed to pick up a set of ardcases second hand from UKGser site and they are ace :woohoo: If I had to say one thing negative about them it would be that they can be awkward to fit and remove, but as has been said already, put em on, ride and take em off when you get home. I even managed to get some spare stickers so that when I had them re- powder coated I could sticker them back up. Really pleasant bloke to deal with and can't help you enough to get what you want.

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By the way this is the colour they were when I bought them, they're black boxes with red lids now but I've got no new pics since they were done.

[samfan]

I use my yamaha 900 for 5 or 6 camping trips a year sometimes with a bit of distance involved ,my luggage set consists of a pair of well used throw overs and a holdall straped over the the back.this is all the luggage that l have ever needed or wanted.As to the reason why anyone would wish to spend loads of hard earned money on boxes,well l supose its each to thier own , l would much rather spend money on my trips than on gear with questionable merit.

[anthony29040]

what about stahlkoffer there really well made and they dont leak,and the guy that owns the company berni is a top bloke.there after sales service is second to none.

[big al]

Hi Heff, that's a fine looking example of an 1100.
And ard cases are a good choice. IMOH.
Al

[Stevied]

If you are considering Touratech Zega Pros check KTMs web site as they are quite a lot cheaper through them. Buy the locks off Touratech though. Great boxes by the way.